Explore Canada: The Highlights
Being away for a whole month touring the different provinces and cities of Canada makes for a whole lot of episodes to share on each and every one.
However for this week, allow me to share the highlights of my trip, an overview if you will.
Toronto
It all started when I was asked to host a surprise 50th birthday party in Toronto by a lovely couple, Lowell & Kat Palermo. I also had the privilege of hosting their wedding in Palawan two years ago.
From there, I figured since I already made my way to Toronto, I might as well tour around Canada with my family. So that’s exactly what happened…
Toronto certainly felt like I was just in the Philippines because nearly everyone is Filipino, lol. Not to mention I had chanced upon the Filipino food festival at Nathan’s Square!
One of my memorable and hands down phenomenal meals from the whole trip was at Kiin in Toronto.
Not only was I reunited with old time friends, Mike Zerrudo & Jeff Regular, but I also finally met the phenomenal heart behind Pai, Kiin and other top rated sister Thai restaurants in the city. She is none other than celebrity Chef Nuit Regular, Jeff’s wonderfully sweet wife.
If you follow my travels, you would know how Bangkok is like a second home to me and Thai food is very close to my heart. So to savor fantastic, traditional Thai cuisine prepared by the talented chef Nuit who happens to be Thai herself, is such a privilege! Full episode on Kiin soon!
Ontario
Other than Toronto, Kat, Lowell and their dear friend, who was also my photographer, haha, Myko Arenajo took me outside the city to see more of what Ontario has to offer like the beautiful Parkwood Estate in Oshawa, to name a few. You’ll see more of it on today’s episode.
Then of course, a trip to Canada or perhaps, Ontario would not be complete without a visit to the majestic Niagara Falls.
Newfoundland
The nature-loving girl in me instantly fell in love with Newfoundland. Dreamy landscapes, puffin watching, playing with nearly extinct breed of horses, the Cappahayden and enjoying supers fresh seafood, Newfoundland is a place I would return to!
NOVA SCOTIA
Now we’ve come to my favorite one amongst the bunch, Nova Scotia. So much so that I would consider living there one day. Japan now has competition!
In NS, you’ll discover two of my favorite foods: Berries and Lobsters!
Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada that has an official berry as it’s the blueberry capital of the country.
Add to that, NS is the largest exporter of lobsters in the world! So when in NS, expect that lobsters are served everywhere and in every way possible!
There’s so much to share on the beauty and fascinating history behind Nova Scotia.
For one, Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia situates the resting place of some of the victims of the greatest maritime disaster of all time, the Titanic – which I elaborated on Instagram.
Quebec
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be in France without leaving North America or stepping foot into Europe, Quebec marks the spot.
Also known as the Other France, French is the native tongue. You can observe how the locals can barely speak English.
Quebec is home to the most photographed hotel in the world, the Chateau Frontenac.
While Niagara Falls may get all the fuss and press, did you know the French-Canadians are proud to share that Montmorency Falls is actually 30meters higher?
Montreal
A delightful juxtaposition of old and new, Montreal is well-loved by Canadians and tourists alike – but don’t say that to those from Quebec, haha! The, shall I say, younger sister of Quebec City, Montreal which is also located in Quebec province is a Mecca for art, art and even more art.
Quebec City is all about the old world charm while Montreal brings in the cosmopolitan frenzy of the future.
Ottawa
And then there is the capital and political center of Canada, the province of Ottawa.
This was about the time when my quota for Canadian food had hit its limit, lol and so the Asian in me was bursting out of the seams!
Thank god the festive ByWard Market’s vast culinarily offerings did not disappoint. Thank you Saigon Vietnamese restaurant for making my stay in Ottawa even more enjoyable!
A big wonderful thanks to Lowell, Kat, Myko, Kat’s wonderful mom and family for making my Toronto leg of the trip so fun and memorable.
From hosting your wedding in Palawan… It all started with you both. Deeply grateful you’ve chosen me to be part of your family’s journey of milestones and we’ve now become friends.
You ready to watch?!
Check out my other highlight posts featuring South Korea, Scandinavia or Northern Europe, St. Petersburg, Russia and Iceland.
Got any suggestions where I should visit in Canada next? Comment below!
Love & Light,
B